India-Bangladesh Solidify Bilateral Ties

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's first visit to India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third term inauguration has solidified their bilateral relationship, highlighting India's "Neighborhood First" policy.

A key achievement was the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) extending transit facilities for Bangladeshi goods to Nepal and Bhutan through the Indian railway network. A new goods-train service from Gede station in West Bengal through Darshana-Chilahati in Bangladesh to Haldibari in northern West Bengal will soon be operational.

In energy, India and Bangladesh will develop intra-regional electricity trade, focusing on clean energy projects in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. A 765 kV high-capacity interconnection between Katihar-Parbatipur-Bornagar will be expedited with Indian financial support.

Trade discussions included initiating negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and operationalising two Special Economic Zones (SEZs) offered by Bangladesh in Mongla and Mirsharai. 

Aligning with their visions of "Viksit Bharat 2047" and "Smart Bangladesh Vision 2041," both countries committed to partnerships in digital and green growth. They will collaborate on frontier technologies, including civil nuclear, oceanography, and space technology. Water resource management was prioritised, with both nations forming a Joint Technical Committee to renew the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty of 1996 and manage the Teesta River with Indian assistance. Defence ties were also strengthened, with agreements expanding cooperation in maritime security, ocean economy, space, and telecommunications, reinforcing India’s role as a regional power.

This visit underscores the evolving geopolitical landscape, where regional cooperation and connectivity are paramount. By enhancing ties with Bangladesh, India strengthens its regional influence and sets a precedent for global cooperation, emphasising sustainable development, economic integration, and collective security. These efforts illustrate a commitment to fostering stability and prosperity in South Asia, which is crucial for global peace and development.